Galatians

September 14th – Galatians 6:9

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Galatians 6:9 

Living in the country, our house is surrounded by fields. And the dedication I see daily by the farmers to their crops, always inspires me. From morning to night, they break the soil, sow the seeds, and keep the weeds at bay. And no weather, hardship, or sickness, keeps them from their fields. Patiently they toil, knowing the bountiful harvest awaiting their hard work. And God calls us to do the same. We too are to keep toiling. To keep working for the kingdom of God, doing good, all for His glory. Never growing weary no matter the circumstance, finding our strength in the Lord. For in time, like the farmers, we too will reap a bountiful harvest of blessings. For our labor never goes unnoticed by God, who always rewards obedience. And He promises to, “the one who sows to the Spirit, will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Gal. 6:8)

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September 7th – Galatians 6:7

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Galatians 6:7

Some mistakenly believe that because Christian’s live under grace, they are freed from the consequences of their sins. And others believe that there is no God at all and laugh at the idea of Jesus returning. Both are terribly wrong. The Bible says that Christian or not, everyone reaps what we sow. And it is our actions that determine the harvest that sowing brings, either for good or bad. Furthermore, the results of our decisions can be far reaching and lasting, often not only effecting us but those around us. Sometimes for generations to come. So do not be deceived by the lies of the Enemy. Whether you believe it or not, one day all will stand before God. And those who mock Him in both word and deed will answer for their actions. So sow in faithful obedience to the Lord, with the joyful expectation of reaping the bountiful harvest of blessings God will produce in your life!

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July 31st – Galatians 4:5

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Galatians 4:5

In His perfect timing, when the world was prepared for the coming of Jesus, God sent His Son to be born in the flesh to a human woman. And why did He do this? Paul tells us it was to redeem all who believe unto His name for salvation. The word redeem comes from the Greek word exagorazo, the root word used to buy back a person sold into slavery. And that’s exactly what Jesus did. He came and used His precious blood to purchase us from the bondage of sin. Through His death, Christ broke our chains, and provided the only to escape death. And He didn’t do it just to free us. He redeemed us at such a great personal cost, to adopt us into God’s family. And as His children, we have “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade . . . kept in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4). Think of that! We are co-owners of everything that belongs to God through our standing in Jesus. And all because He gave everything to call us His!

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July 21st – Galatians 5:25

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Galatians 5:25

We are all born into this world physically alive, but spiritually dead. But the instant we receive Christ as our Savior, we are made anew. Through the Spirit of God, we become born again. We are now new creations given new lives in Jesus, and freed from the bondage of sin and death. But this freedom isn’t free. For it comes only though obedience to God and His will. Because the freedom God provides doesn’t mean we can do anything we want, or live our lives in a manner similar to the rest of the world. Instead, this freedom allows us to turn aside from jealousy, anger, drunkenness, quarrels, and idolatry. We are freed to love and bestow upon others the fruits of the Spirit, including joy, peace, patience, goodness, and gentleness. All of the wonderful and loving qualities exhibited by our Lord. So if we truly live in Christ, and He in us, we will follow and walk in the Spirit’s lead and exercise faithfully the freedom He gives us.

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July 15th – Galatians 2:4

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Galatians 2:4

The gospel as told in the Word of God is perfect and complete. Yet many try distort it’s message of freedom through the blood of Jesus Christ. They add, take away, and twist the scriptures to fit their worldly agendas. They mandate ungodly rules and rituals needed to obtain salvation, forgiveness, and blessings. And Paul says be alert, for they are everywhere. These “false brethren” don’t come with signs, bells, and whistles, announcing their arrival. Instead they slowly sneak their false doctrine into our hearts and minds, leading us back into the very bondage Jesus gave His blood to free us from. So to defend ourselves, we need to spend time daily in the Word of God. We need to know it’s truths and stand on it’s promises. For it is our greatest shield against attacks from all enemies both outside and within.

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July 13th – Galatians 4:31

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Galatians 4:31

When it comes to describing the freedom we enjoy through Christ, and the difference between the old covenant and the new, the apostle Paul uses the example of Hagar and Sarah. Hagar bore Ishmael in the ordinary manner in which babies are born. Yet Sarah bore Isaac in a supernatural way, after receiving a message from God. Hagar, a bondswoman, had children born as slaves to the Law. These children represent Jerusalem before Jesus came, and all those who try to earn salvation through works. But Sarah, a free woman, had children born into that freedom. These children represent both Jews and Gentiles who are born under grace, and all who receive salvation through faith in Jesus and His promises. Paul goes on to tell us that just like Ishmael ridiculed and demeaned Isaac, Christians will face persecution from those who don’t know Jesus as their Savior. But we needn’t fear but rather celebrate. For Paul tells us that only those who choose faith or works are “heirs according to promise”, and will receive the gift of eternal life. (Gal. 3:29)

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July 11th – Galatians 5:13

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Galatians 5:13

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been freed from the curse of the Law. But Paul is quick to remind us that freedom isn’t intended to cause us to sin. And it isn’t intended for us to lead lives of self focus, importance, or indulgence. Instead, knowing the great price Jesus paid for our freedom, we are to use our liberties to serve God and others. We are to, “do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Phil. 2:3) Jesus left His mighty throne in heaven and in great love, humbled Himself before those He created. And if we love the Lord, we will love others. For as Paul goes on to say, “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gal. 5:14)

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July 1st – Galatians 5:1

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Galatians 5:1

Because of our fallen nature, it is hard for us to truly grasp the freedom we have through Christ. The perfectly simplistic message of the gospel, grace through faith in Jesus Christ, seems too good to be true. And so we try to add to it. Through legalism, good works, and man made ritualistic ceremonies, we try to earn our salvation. But God is very clear. There is nothing we can do to purchase the freedom that Jesus died to give us. It is a gift offered by God alone, and received by faith. And so Paul urges us to break from our bondage and walk in that freedom. To give the up the yoke of slavery and take up the yoke of Jesus who says, “Take My yoke upon you and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:29)

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A Just God Demands Justice – Micah 1:1-4:13

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Micah 1:1-4:13

Micah was a prophet called from his hometown of Moresheth to deliver God’s message of judgement against Israel. Corruption and abuse had become the practices of the rich and powerful against the poor. And Micah warned the people of God’s approaching consequences against those oppressing others for their own personal gain. For the Lord is holy and righteous, and He expects the same from His people. And a just God demands justice. …

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May 3rd – Galatians 5:16

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Galatians 5:16

Human nature comes with its share of frailties, both physically and morally. And with Satan ruling this world, the pull of a fleshly life is strong. But when we abide in Jesus, the Holy Spirit is always working in our lives. He tears down the strongholds of sin, and builds up a fortress of protection around our hearts. A refuge we can run to when facing the Tempter. The Lord knows we are weak and under attack daily. But if we keep our eyes on Him, trust in His Word, and follow His guidance, we can withstand any temptation.

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